XERORADIOGRAPHY: A SIGNIFICANT MODALITY IN THE DETECTION OF NONMETALLIC FOREIGN BODIES IN SOFT TISSUES

Abstract

Since xeroradiography has been shown to be an excellent imaging system for soft tissue, it was logically postulated that this modality might be very useful in the detection of foreign bodies in soft tissue. Water and "lamb shank" phantoms were used to gain a baseline impression of the appearance of foreign bodies of various materials in soft tissue and to compare the efficacy of conventional roentgenographic film and the xeroradiograph for the specific purpose of detecting foreign bodies, with particular emphasis on those of nonmetallic substances. The results suggest xeroradiography to be superior to conventional roentgenography in the detection of most nonmetallic foreign bodies. A few nonopaque substances would appear to be detectable on the xeroradiograph, but not on the conventional roentgenogram. Of interest in Southern California, as well as in other semitropical on tropical regions, is the fact that a palm thorn foreign body could not be detected in soft tissue by either means. When xeroradiography is used to detect metallic foreign bodies in the extremities, the negative mode should be employed.